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Saturday, October 22, 2016

above: The Herald-Sun commonly questions the right to protest , but doesn't question its own assumptions re: the availability of work , or the right to refuse exploitative employment

The following are a series of progressive letters sent to 'The Age', 'The Herald Sun' and 'The Australian' during October 2016. The clear majority were not published. But I am hoping they spark debate here.

'Engaging with Feminism on the Complexity of Intersectionality and Privilege'

'Gender, Sexuality and Mutual Respect and Consideration'

'Refuting the Herald-Sun Again on 'Welfare Shaming'

'

Refuting the Herald-Sun Again: Misleading Characterisations on the Unemployed'

Dr Tristan Ewins

Benefits and Drawbacks of Globalisation

Jeremy Francis (3/10) observes the benefits of globalisation
; criticising the double standards of Conservatives . He compares free trade
with the defence of “strong borders” ; limiting the free movement of people – punishing
and indeed criminalising refugees. But globalisation is too complex and
multi-faceted for progressives to simply be ‘for’ or ‘against’ it.Cultural exchange and engagement is arguably
a good thing ; enriching cultures and acting as a check on abuse of power by
particular nation states.But the
‘inverse side’ of globalisation is the ‘free movement of capital’ .Agreements such as the Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP) are deployed to break down all barriers which would prevent
the exploitation of every potential market by the transnational
corporations.This kind of ‘free
movement of capital’ disciplines labour, compelling states to provide corporate
welfare.It also acts as a barrier to
‘natural public monopolies’ in diverse areas including water, energy,
communications and so on.Yet such
natural public monopolies could drive efficiencies and fairness in the
Australian (and other) economies.The
TPP mightalso arguably prevent
‘market-distorting’ economic democracy policies such as state support for
co-operative enterprise. (nb: that is a criticism of the TPP not an endorsement) Again: Globalisation is just too complex to simply be
‘for’ or ‘against’ it.

A Congestion Tax for Melbourne?

Daniel Andrews and the Liberals as well have quickly ruled out any congestion
tax. (in the state of Victoria in Australia) But there are things we should keep
in mind. Taxes have been falling and becoming less progressive for some
time.The Conservatives especially wear that
as ‘a badge of honour’.Before the most
recent ALP National Conference Labor also considered holding taxes down as non
–negotiable.But if we don’t provide infrastructure
and services through progressive taxes (which tax target the wealthy more) –
then we must pay in other ways.A
‘congestion tax’ is not especially progressive ; but would at least promote the
use of public transport , taking pressure from our roads.Also experience has shown infrastructure
privatisation (eg: of roads) can actually stymie possible competition – as
governments guarantee profits – shutting down alternatives while consumers pay.
Privatised ‘cost structures’ also
include dividends and corporate salaries.As a matter of fact consumers get a much better deal paying for infrastructure
in their capacity as taxpayers than they ever will as atomised consumers in a
‘market’ which involves nepotism and monopolism.And progressively structured tax can ensure
‘a fair go’ for all.

In a similar vein: Immigration, Tax and Infrastructure

Tom Elliot
(HS 7/10) takes aim at immigration to explain the failure of infrastructure and
services to keep up with population. There is an element of truth that there
are logistical limits to how swiftly migration can proceed without running into
such problems.But there’s another side
to this.Cumulative migration creates
‘economies of scale’ in areas like the public service and Defence.That is: it becomes possible to finance these
for a proportionately smaller amount of resources.The most significant problem we have with
infrastructure is that the tax take has been cut unsustainably by Liberal and
Labor governments alike for over 30 years. (though Labor might be beginning to realise
things must change) This situation means ‘corporate and middle/upper class
welfare’ which average workers and vulnerable pensioners are now expected to
pay for. Limited resources and Ideological opposition to debt financing (even
when interest rates are so low!) also means roads, communications
infrastructure etc are privatised. Consumers end up forking out more for their
services and infrastructure because they must pay for marketing, executive
salaries, profits and dividends – that go with privatisation. Taxes need to
rise – but they must rise fairly.Increasing the GST is not the answer.

With regard to
Rita Panahi’s recent Op-Ed in the Herald-Sun ‘Students who Refuse to Learn
Tolerance’ (10/10/16) there are a number
of observations to be made.Personally I
am sympathetic to some of the ideas of the radical Leftist democrat, Chantal
Mouffe- who has argued that:

“within the
‘we’ that constitutes the political community, the opponent is not considered
an enemy to be destroyed but an adversary whose existence is legitimate.”

Mouffe justifies this on the basis that
pluralism (a genuine variety of viewpoints) is necessary for democracy to
function effectively.And that we ought
respect each other as human beings.

How refreshing this is in light of the
brutality that passes for modern politics. (which are often ‘the politics of
personal destruction’)

Democracy demands informed choice.The
problem, though, is that much of the monopoly mass media in this country does
not promote ‘a level playing field of ideas’ , or ‘tolerance’ of perspectives
that diverge from dominant right-wing narratives.Concentration of ownership doesn’t help.If we are to argue for a stronger (and
inclusive) pluralism in our universities – we must apply the same principles to
the broader ‘public sphere’.

(nb: though the narrative of 'left elites in universities' is dubious anyway - when you consider the hegemony of neo-liberal perspectives in Economics faculties for example ; and attacks on the Humanities and Social Sciences)

Engaging with Feminism on the Complexity of Intersectionality and Privilege

‘The Australian’ (14/10) reports school
curricula content which emphasises ‘male privilege’ with a tone of apparent
concern.But promoting a debate on
different forms of privilege in our society ought not be a worry if only the
curricula is rigorous and inclusive of critical perspectives.For instance, the most advanced forms of what
is referred to as ‘intersectionality’ theory emphasise the influence of class,
gender, sexuality, body image, age, ‘race’, disability, ethnicity, religion – where
individuals experience disadvantage or privilege to different degrees on the
basis of individual and particular circumstances.So a ‘white male’ who comes from a background
of socio-economic disadvantage – who does not comprise the ‘ideal’ male body
type promoted in popular culture ; who does not enjoy the opportunity for
higher education – may be less privileged than a woman who is educated,
economically comfortable, and attractive according to popular standards.But definitely, there is a long history of
male dominance of the public sphere and sport ; devaluation of ‘feminised’ professions
; exploitation of women in the home ; and so on. (which needs to be challenged) We need ‘critical/active’
curricula which encourage ‘political literacy’ ; informed and active citizenship
; on the basis of a robust, far-reaching and inclusive pluralism.

Gender, Sexuality and Mutual Respect and Consideration

The Herald-Sun reports that women are
“victims of sexual attention” (16/10/16). A couple of points are important,
here, though.Firstly, ‘objectification’
increasingly affects men, also.And men
are also increasingly victims of unrealistic physical expectations around body
image.Secondly, we need to be careful
we don’t portray male sexuality as ‘essentially bad’.It is natural for people to feel and express
attraction for each other. The question is ‘where to draw the line’ so as to be
considerate and respectful as well.And
that cuts across gender lines.It
includes how women and men approach each other when they are sexually
interested.It also includes how we
reject a person’s advances if we are not interested.(ie: kindly and respectfully if
possible)There are also power relations based on
physical expectations and body image which cut across gender lines. The
question ought be: “how would I like to be treated were I in the other person’s
shoes?”

Refuting the Herald-Sun Again on 'Welfare Shaming'

The Herald-Sun (16/10/16)reports that welfare-dependency figures are
“shocking”.But Disability pensioners,
Carers and the Unemployed should not be ‘shamed’.Carers save the public hundreds of millions
of dollars by providing care and support for pittance that otherwise would cost
the state a fortune. If we do not value their work just because it is not part
of the ‘market sector’ then that itself says somethingdisturbing about our priorities.Meanwhile those with a mental illness – who
are commonly looked upon as ‘not-really-disabled’ can expect a reduced
life-expectancy of 16 years – or 25 years for those with Schizophrenia. Who
would ‘choose’ to be in that position?Finally, research shows there are roughly five job-seekers for every
position. Were the government serious it
would develop an industry policy to create real long term jobs – matched to
peoples skills. (as some Nordic countries have tried)Instead it tolerates an unemployment rate of
around 6 per cent (much more if you include those who have given up the search) , and also ‘massive under-employment’ for people looking for
full-time, secure work. Because
‘Ideologically’ it cannot bring itself to support ‘economic intervention’.

Refuting the Herald-Sun Again: Misleading Characterisations on the Unemployed

The Herald-Sun (19/10/16)proclaims on its front page:“70% of arrested
meth users supported by your taxes” and also: “Dole Blown on Ice.”While the apparent connection between Ice
addiction and crime is alarming, the headline was irresponsible for several
reasons.Firstly, for those who don’t
read the article thoroughly there may be the utterly false assumption that most
Newstart recipients are ice addicts. In fact there is no proof of anything like
this..Secondly: ice addicts need help
overcoming their addiction. Yes there must be compulsory rehabilitation
programs. But a purely punitive approach could lead to a downward spiral of
desperation and crime.It seems more
than an accident that the headline coincideswith the Liberal Government’s attempt to wind back benefits such as
Newstart, the Disability Support Pension, the Carers’ Allowance, and so
on.To ‘make room’ in the Budget to
accommodate corporate tax cuts.And hence
to demonise and vilify these people.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

The ‘Weekend Australian’
(8/10/16) quotes former Labour British PM, Tony Blair as urging Bill Shorten to
tack “back to the centre”. Typically, Blair holds that the occupation of ‘the
centre ground’ is crucial to building a significant-enough constituency to
carry an electoral majority. And that regardless of this ‘it is the right thing
to do’. Furthermore, Blair contends that Australian Labor must not only “talk
to its core constituency”. (ie: we might reasonably assume he means ‘the
traditional working class’).

Blair also warns of the
danger of unions becoming a small ‘c’ conservative force: mainly fixated on the
public sector, and unable of grappling with the nature of today’s private sector
– where unions have long been in decline.

Finally, Blair makes the
usual assertion that parties of the ‘centre-left’ must be about ‘growing the
[economic] pie’ – with the implication that ‘dividing the cake more fairly’
runs contrary to this.

British Labour leader
Jeremy Corbyn is dismissed as ‘ultra-left’, with Blair raising his head as the
champion of the globalist, cosmopolitan ‘third way’ ‘social democracy’
popularised by Giddens and others. Importantly: ‘globalisation’ is not some
single, homogenous phenomena. There are desirable aspects of ‘globalisation’ as
well. Though specifically, here, we are concerned with its neo-liberal guise;
including how that applies to world investment and trade.

To briefly engage with some
of Blair’s contentions before moving on:

There is truth in the observation that organised labour must ‘return to the
private sector’. Indeed a strong foothold in the public sector could provide a
base from which solidarity could be extended to less-secure private sector
workers in the midst of industrial upheavals. Furthermore, Labor’s legacy of
labour market deregulation must be reconsidered ‘at the lower end’ – with the
aim of ending the exploitation of various workers in areas as diverse as child
care, aged care, cleaning, retail, hospitality and so on.

Labor’s ‘natural
constituency’ – the broader working class – is still very much in the majority
(if one focuses on the social relation of wage labour, as opposed to peoples’
‘self-identity’). Labor’s difficulty is not the dissolution of the working
class: but the development within it of various conflicts and contradictions.
Including conflicts of ‘consciousness’ and ‘identity’.

For example: there are
residual delusions on the part of some white collar workers that they comprise
‘the middle class’ ; which are reinforced by social democratic reluctance to
actually speak of ‘the working class’ – and elucidate what that really means
today. Also: there is the supposition that ‘Labor’s base’ can be taken for
granted – and that it’s ‘the swinging middle’ that really counts.

Class loyalties do not
necessarily shift straight away – but over generations. Surely the United
States shows the consequences where the US Democrats have long spoke only of
‘the middle class’, and could not bring themselves to prioritise discussion of
‘the working class’. They did not deliver workers from the ravages of
deindustrialisation and ‘the neo-liberal version of globalisation’. And
demagogues such as Trump have filled the vacuum. Trump does not represent
workers’ interests; and this could be made apparent if only the Democrats would
rise to the occasion. Similarly, Labor must overcome and heal the internal
divisions within the Australian working class to promote a social democracy
which appeals to the interests of the majority of voters.

Also admittedly: Unions are
not ‘essentially progressive’ even if their class location positions them to
effectively promote the interests of the majority of the labouring masses (as
against a minority bourgeoisie). German unions, for instance, were central to
mobilising the war-effort in Germany in 1914 ; and beforehand had turned
against more radical elements who had traditionally led the Social Democrats,
and who would come to oppose that conflict. That war decimated German social
democracy, and also the German working class.

Revisionist socialist
scholar and parliamentarian Eduard Bernstein also warned that specific unions
had the potential to become ‘corporate interests’ who furthered their own
dominance of particular markets and industries without prioritising the
position of the broader working class and labour movement, and others amongst
the disenfranchised and oppressed.

In Australia, meanwhile,
(with a much different phenomenon) some right-wing unions have promoted agendas
of privatisation and economic neo-liberalism; and some (such as the right-wing
‘Shop, Distributive and Allied’ union – or ‘SDA’) have at times abandoned their
own members’ interests in order to secure industry coverage (and hence
political power within the Labor Party) due to collusion with employers.
Sometimes unions are seen as vehicles for political power and political
careers, as opposed to being primarily vehicles for workers’ interests, and
social democracy.

That said: these instances
should not be taken as ‘typical’ of the Australian labour movement. Despite
legitimate misgivings about The Accord years and their aftermath, for example,
Australian unions waged a vigorous campaign against the Howard Government’s
regressive ‘Workchoices’ industrial legislation. They are still capable of
representing and mobilising their members, and of waging successful campaigns.

With regard the old
shibboleth that neo-liberal economic policies are required to ‘grow the pie’:
something ‘traditional social democracy (supposedly) is not positioned to do’ ,
we might make another series of observations. The Nordics have demonstrated
that it is possible to build a robust public sector and welfare state; with
saturation levels of unionisation ; and a culture of solidarity. In the ‘golden
age’ of the Swedish ‘Rehn-Meidner’ economic model, this combined effective full
employment with low inflation, and the extension of welfare and social
services. If not for a series of tactical errors, economic democracy might also
have been entrenched through the ‘Meidner wage earner funds’ initiative during
the 1970s and 1980s.

In fact, today it is ‘the
systemic imperatives of capitalism’ and capitalist Ideology that stand in the
way of fulfilling the personal and social needs of humanity. Amidst greater
abundance than has been known ever before in human history, we are informed
repeatedly that we must ‘tighten our belts’. Welfare and social services are
progressively cut. Education is for ‘industry needs’ and not ‘the development
of human potential’. And of course ‘the user must pay’ (though this is taken to
mean students; and not the corporations who benefit from the various skills and
aptitudes which are developed). Improved life expectancy is seen as a ‘curse’
rather than a ‘blessing’. So the retirement age is pushed upwards
incrementally. The elderly are made to feel they are ‘a burden’ , and working
class people are expected to exhaust their assets and savings to pay for ‘aged
care’ which denies them dignity, comfort or happiness.

Alongside an increased age
of retirement, the intensity of labour increases. Capitalism demands growth
into new markets to preserve its own stability; but with ‘globalisation’ (just
for now interpreted as the expansion of international trade; though it has
other interpretations) reaching its limits, markets for consumption depend on
increasing the sheer volume of labour (and hence purchasing power). Though
casualisation shows it does not always work out that way (‘capital mobility’ is
another aspect of globalisation; as is the rise of a ‘global culture’ that
emerges via improvements in communications technology; Marx himself had
observed the emergence of a ‘world literature’ as early as the 19th Century).

Where technology does not
improve productivity, instead productivity is tied to that intensity of labour.
In Australia today improvement of wages and conditions are largely ruled out
without such productivity improvements. Hence for a great many wages and
conditions stagnate or are rolled back. Organised labour is vilified. The
working poor are even played off against the vulnerable welfare-dependent with
‘the politics of downward envy’. In response the Left must promote a politics
of respect and solidarity.

A move back towards a
social democratic mixed economy could stabilise national economies and the
world economy over the short to medium term as a consequence of superior cost
structures. But this is eschewed for reasons of Ideology, power, and private
greed. Instead trade agreements are deployed to break down any ‘barriers’
preventing the fullest possible exploitation of potential markets by
multinational corporations. ‘Natural public monopolies’ could stand to be
criminalised (ie: sovereign governments could be sued); as well perhaps as
‘market distorting’ initiatives which may promote economic democracy (for
example, any scheme providing assistance to co-operative enterprise of various
sorts). Amidst all this ; and even after the cataclysm of the 2008 Global
Financial Crisis – Tony Blair and ‘The Australian’ are still trying to sell us
‘neo-liberalism with a human face’.

From the outset it is also
worth observing that historical traditions other than ‘modern third way social
democracy’ have also claimed the ‘centrist ground’ (for instance Catholic
‘social Centrism’ in Germany, and the Swedish ‘Centre Party’). Defining ‘the
centre’ is fraught with possible confusion. As opposed to a linear ‘left-right
spectrum’ a ‘political compass’ accommodates both economic egalitarianism AND
personal and collective liberties. But Blair is employing a more ‘traditional’
left-right spectrum.

Hence Blair’s ‘centrism’ is
confusing: sometimes comprising a mish-mash of liberal and authoritarian
positions. Hawkish foreign policy; rejection of class struggle; embrace of
economic and cultural globalisation; according to some interpretations
implementation of ‘punitive welfare’ and labour conscription; and effective
rejection of a traditional mixed economy in favour of privatisation and what we
have come to know as ‘neo-liberalism’.

Also importantly: ‘the
Centre’ is always RELATIVE. A political party which makes a habit of ‘passively
occupying’ ‘the middle ground’ rather than striving to RE-DEFINE and shift it
resigns itself to a passive or even reactive response to social issues and
conflicts.

Under Hawke and Keating –
who Blair praises profusely – Australia moved decisively to the Right on many
fronts– embracing small government, privatisation, deregulation, dilution of
progressive taxation, rejection of class struggle; widespread
deindustrialisation ; and so on. Whereas Blair followed Hawke and Keating,
Australian Labor in turn followed Blair. The consequence was a
‘rightward-spiral’ which was the undoing of social democracy and labourism as
we had known them.

In a further article in
‘The Australian’ by Troy Bramston (8/10), poet, W.B.Yeats’s ‘The Second Coming’
is taken very much out-of-context. The title proclaims “Things Fall Apart – The
Centre Can’t Hold’. Bramston is very much with Blair, fearing the decline of
the ‘centre-left’ as a consequence of a more unambiguous left-turn by Corbyn.
Corbyn (and perhaps by implication, Shorten) are portrayed as wanting ‘a return
to the past’ rather than ‘progressing forward’. Ironically this implies the
in-some- ways similar notion of a ‘progressive teleology’ as proposed by Hegel
and Marx; and more recently by Fukuyama. ‘Neo-liberalism’ is upheld as ‘the
progressive and objective direction of history’: in a way which denies historic
choice; and the meaningful contestation of history by social actors.

The problem with Blair is
that his position is very much one of ‘convergence politics’. ‘Convergence on
the centre’ actually dissolves genuine ‘centre-left’ politics as we once knew
them. Whereas democratic socialists once claimed ‘the centre left ground’ –
roughly halfway between liberal centrism and the unambiguously revolutionary
Left traditions; today ‘convergence on the centre’ is the undoing of meaningful
democracy. It is the undoing of meaningful choice.

As French social theorist
Chantal Mouffe has insisted ‘convergence politics’ ‘empties out’ democracy by
denying real choice and democratically-mediated conflict as a consequence of ‘a
rush to the Centre’. It is worth briefly considering her position – and that of
critical theorist, Jurgen Habermas – to critique the ‘Blair-ite Third Way’ from
different perspectives.

Whereas Habermas supposed a
‘deliberative democracy’, with the pursuit of a ‘perfect speech situation’ – or
‘communicative rationality’, Mouffe does not believe rational exchange and
engagement can resolve all differences and conflicts. Still strongly-influenced
by Marx, though, Habermas continues to suppose a ‘historical telos’; which will
be realised through ‘communicative action’ (ie: rational engagement, argument
and deliberation by social actors). Importantly, as opposed to Blair, Giddens,
etc, Habermas was optimistic enough to suppose that this process would
ultimately lead to socialism (realised via communicative rationality and not
only through ‘traditional’ class struggle; hence some divergence from Marx’s
original position).

Both Habermas and Mouffe
are radical Leftist democrats, however; and BOTH Habermas’s ‘communicative
action’ and Mouffe’s ‘Agonism’ reject ‘centrist convergence’. What is notable
with Mouffe’s position is essentially that history is not assumed as ‘having a
fixed direction’ (or ‘telos’). And as opposed to traditional Marxism, neither
are particular social actors (such as the working class) assumed to have any
‘essential and fixed historic mission’. For Mouffe history is contested by
social actors who articulate ‘counter-hegemonic strategies’. History is not
pre-determined but rests on our CHOICES. Though Mouffe does accept that despite
this capitalism has systemic imperatives and ‘logics’ that no isolated
individual can challenge.

“within the ‘we’ that
constitutes the political community, the opponent is not considered an enemy to
be destroyed but an adversary whose existence is legitimate.”

And most preferably these
assumptions must cut both ways! (though it will not always be the case)
Importantly, Marx argued for the dissolution of the bourgeoisie as a class;
that is the dissolution of particular social relations – as opposed to the
wholesale murder of human beings as occurred under Stalinism. But Mouffe
insists an ongoing and legitimate place for pluralism, and hence appears to
reject Marx’s notion of communism as ‘an end destination’ (or to put it in
Marx’s own words, ‘the end of pre-history’).

So Mouffe assumes mediated
conflict as being central to meaningful democracy. And the silencing of
dissident voices by ‘third way, cosmopolitan, neo-liberal globalism’ could
perhaps even lead to a technocracy – governance by ‘experts’ – and rejection of
the proper place of democratic conflict.

Shorten has ‘been taken to
task’ for a very modest step back towards traditional social democracy and
labourism. Under Shorten there has been talk of enforcing corporate taxation
and effectively tackling ‘corporate welfare’. There is talk of holding the
banks accountable. ‘Small government’ is no longer explicitly endorsed (though
neither is ‘big government’). “Trickle-down” is rejected. In the ranks of
Labor there is some talk of tackling obscene superannuation concessions which
feather the nests of the unambiguously wealthy (to the tune of tens of billions
annually) at the same time as vulnerable pensioners are vilified by the
Conservatives for the sake of ‘budget repair’. But Shorten still insists on
‘budget repair that is fair’.

None of this is
particularly radical! But as the Anglosphere and parts of Europe continue to
turn Left in the wake of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis the voices of
Conservatism and neo-liberalism have become more shrill. Modest reversions to
‘traditional social democracy’ are ‘fought tooth and nail’ as they ‘set a bad
example’ which may provide a ‘turning point’ away from neo-liberalism, and the
prioritisation of corporate interests in economics and trade policy. Bernie
Sanders has seen the rise of a distinctly Left politics ‘into the US
mainstream’. Accused of ‘ultra-Leftism’, in fact British Labour Opposition
Leader, Jeremy Corbyn is also reverting to more-traditional Labour perspectives
on the mixed economy, rights of labour; affordable education; and support for
progressive tax; with a commitment to the NHS (National Health Service); as
well as a rejection of ‘Hawkish’ foreign policy. This ought not be seen as
‘going backwards’ – because (contra-Marx) there is no objective definition of
what ‘progressing forward’ actually means anyway.

With his warnings of
‘impending doom’ for British Labour – as well as the need for a ‘policy
correction’ by Shorten in Australia, Blair does not seem to perceive the shift
Leftwards in parts of Europe, and even the ‘Anglosphere’ itself. Ironically it
is Blair who is ‘looking backwards’: to the 1990s – when ‘the historical moment
was his’. Similarly ‘The Australian’ looks back to the ‘reform era’ where Hawke
and Keating to a significant degree liquidated much of what had before-hand
passed as labourism, social democracy and democratic socialism in this country.
That’s not to say ‘Third Way’ theorists cannot strategise such as to set the
agenda once more. But such success in the past is no guarantee of success today
or in the future.

So history does not stand
still. Over a quarter of a century after the fall of the Soviet Union
neo-liberal triumphalism is beginning to wear thin. The Stalinist nightmare is
fading from living memory; and the Democratic Left is finally re-emerging from behind
its long shadow. Bernie Sanders has brought the American democratic socialist
Left ‘into the mainstream’. McCarthy-ist hysteria is largely in the past. And
despite defeats, parties like Syriza and Podemos have heralded the return of
the Democratic Left after years utterly eclipsed by a ‘Third Way consensus’ in
European social democracy.

Again: Amidst all this
Shorten’s tentative shift to the Left is very modest. And hand-wringing by
Blair and ‘The Australian’ that Shorten Labor must ‘return to the Centre’
clearly demonstrates how narrow a political milieu certain interests, as well
as ‘the media establishment’ would have us choose from. ‘Convergence on the
Centre’ denies politics; denies pluralist, democratically mediated conflict;
and denies real democratic choice.

Nonetheless; Mouffe’s
‘Agonism’ suggests the possibility of a new pluralist democracy – where the
democratic Left and the democratic Right accept each others’ ‘right to exist’ –
and indeed their ‘legitimacy’ in the sense that voters and citizens must always
be posed with real choices in order for democracy to flourish. And that certain
liberties are necessary to overcome alienation; and socialists perhaps should
even think of their adversaries here.

Perhaps therefore the Left
could accept a place for Conservatism in a pluralist democracy; and on the
basis of an inclusive public sphere; a more ‘level playing field of ideas’. But
in Australia the monopoly mass media is dominated by figures such as Murdoch
and Rinehart. The monopolists think they are in control and beyond effective
challenge. Hence they do not discern any compelling pressures to accept a more
inclusive public sphere; or say ‘active-critical’ civics and citizenship
education curricula which also promote ideological and political literacy, and
hence informed and participatory citizenship. Some would argue when the
opportunity comes the advantage must be pressed. And so long as the
Conservatives are not willing to accept the democratic and authentically
pluralist principles promoted by the likes of Chantal Mouffe – then perhaps
they have a point.

Also ‘social rights are
human rights’. No less essential than civil liberties. And ideally should be
constitutionally enshrined. Even though these matters should nonetheless be
deliberated upon freely. There is the challenge of balancing the aim of
‘pluralism’ and hence ‘openness to change’, while striving for a ‘baseline
consensus’ of liberal and social rights which is acceptable to the various
social actors. Habermas believed this (and ultimately socialism itself) could
be achieved via ‘communicative action’.

In many parts of the world
‘the tide is beginning to turn’. PERHAPS once again the future belongs to
radical social democracy.

(nb: apologies for having to repost this ; I accidentally deleted it while posting the most recent article on Tony Blair and a Critique of the Third Way)

Dr Tristan Ewins

This week’s US Presidential Debate was interesting in a number of ways.The economic debate in particular was of concern to this observer.In summary, it was framed with the opposition of Trump’s traditional neo-liberal emphasis on ‘trickle down’ Reaganomics, deregulation, and sweeping corporate tax cuts.By contrast Hillary Clinton’s rhetoric was suggestive of mild social democracy or social liberalism – which has ‘learned certain lessons’ from the GFC. Important talking points for Clinton included winding back regressive prohibitive user pays in higher education , improving the minimum wage , and promoting US interests via international trade deals. This was mildly encouraging – and perhaps a sign that a small but symbolic portion of the Sanders policy agenda had been ‘taken on-board’ in order to mobilise the disillusioned ‘progressive masses’ that had been so inspired by Sanders’ break from the ‘Democratic establishment’: which for many was actually seen to be part ofthe problem.

Unfortunately what was left unsaid, here, was that the interests of US-based transnational corporations have seen US policy makers (influenced by the dominant corporate lobby) pursue trade agreements which disadvantage even traditional US allies such as Australia.As with the Trans Pacific Partnership, the right of social democratic governments to maintain natural public monopolies in the interests of the people they represent practically stands to be ‘criminalised’ in the name of ‘free and open markets’. Here there is neither a market nook nor cranny that is spared exposure to the transnational corporations.And the relationship between the corporate lobby and the US political class is almost a ‘symbiotic’ one.Of course the eagerness of Australian policy makers to expose our economy to TPP must also be questioned.Perhaps this is seen as ‘the price we must pay’ for coming under the US security umbrella.

Clinton also argued the case that ‘trickle down economics’ and radically small government had failed Americans as per the 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis – and that Trump’s desire to ‘go into economic policy reverse’ was an unacceptable risk for the country, and indeed the world.As per usual, Clinton also emphasised the struggles of the USmiddle class when compared with ‘robber baron capitalists’ (where it was implied Trump himself fell into that category) Although Clinton did not use the expression specifically.

But the refusal of mainstream Democrats to speak to – and speak of – the working class-in their ‘mainstream’ electoral discourse provides Trump with an opening.Here his arguments against deindustrialisation may resonate with desperate workers who are willing to try anything to secure their futures.Though his ‘solution’ of stemming the flow of manufacturing and other jobs by deeply slashing the taxes of corporations would necessitate a decay of infrastructure, welfare and social services – where the connections between these just don’t seem to be grasped by much of Trump’s support base.

Trump takes advantage of desperation and the sense of abandonment by many US workers with a shameless opportunism that may yet win him the ‘top job’ in the White House.He argues as if government should be run like his own personal business.Though it is interesting to observe that the very impetus for infrastructure projects to come in very significantly over-budget (a phenomenon he pursued relentlessly) is linked with privatisation. Parasitic corporations trying to maximise their returns ; where the sense of ‘the public good’ is lost all but entirely.Private prisons which abandon rehabilitation and support unnecessarily-severe sentencing in favour of ‘growing their businesses’ are perhaps the most appalling example.

Clinton also argued a strong case in favour of a big investment in renewable energy: and whereas Trump is a ‘climate sceptic’, Clinton’s strong position, here, was perhaps indicative of her imperative of winning over Greens voters whose votes might be ‘wasted’ on the Greens Presidential candidate, Jill Stein.For progressives this comprises a testing dilemma: protest against the Democratic National Committee’s appalling attempts to undermine the campaign of Bernie Sanders ; or to ‘swallow the bitter pill’ ; and admit that if Clinton is in any way ‘the lesser evil’ , then she is the ‘lesser evil’ by a very significant margin.A big vote for Stein would make a Trump victory certain.Though it would build a case for electoral reform – making a genuinely ‘multi-party democracy’ really-viable.

But as Clinton argued: can we trust Trump with the US nuclear codes?Can we trust him as ‘commander in Chief’ of the world’s pre-eminent super-power?.(though progressively under challenge from a rising China ; and from an emboldened bloc or‘strategic partnership’ centred on Russia and Iran)And can we really trust him to enforce nuclear non—proliferation?

In conclusion, though, Trump actually made some telling points on foreign policy – despite the fact more broadly that he is ‘not to be trusted’.For example the disaster of the Iraq War ; and of the regional destabilisation and escalated conflict that ensued. In Australia the lesson for us is that we must never allow such a war to ensue – with our participation and support – without even allowing a parliamentary debate. And maybe a parliamentary vote. That is one area where the Greens actually make good policy sense.

In the debate Trump seemed ‘energised’. He spoke with apparent enthusiasm – compared with which Clinton’s demeanour was ‘steady and deliberate’ but also ‘buoyant’.However: there was no ‘knockout blow’. The campaign is only just beginning – and has more than two months yet to run.

Clinton’s choice of Tim Kaine as Vice-Presidential running mate was also suggestive that Clinton was intending to appeal to the ‘policy Centre’ more so than the ‘unambiguous Left’.Again: with two months to go, though, there is still the potential prospect of more progressive policy announcements.The Sanders campaign mobilised millions: especially amongst the young. Clinton would be well advised to go further in remobilising those people.

And as for the Sanders campaign: socialism is increasingly ‘coming in from the cold’ in US politics.As Sanders argued – his ‘defeat’ was not the end of the story.Unlike with the earlier Obama campaign, the intention is that the movement itself will persist ; and continue to build and campaign openly.While 2016 is not the year for Sanders, perhaps 2020 – or maybe 2024 – will see the resurgence of the US social democratic and democratic socialist Left.Sanders will perhaps be seen as ‘too venerable’ by then ; but surely for him it was very much about the movement ; the policy agenda ; and a ‘political sea change’ in the US with the resurgence of a distinct and mainstream Left.And the Democratic National Committee must surely realise that it needs to change its ways – lest the broader Party divide openly against itself.With the consequence of a clear run for the Republicans – unless they too experience a similar debilitating split.(not impossible given what we have seen this year)

Here’s hoping for a Clinton victory: and that we may be pleasantly surprised with more favourable policy announcements from a Clinton campaign which realises the imperative of mobilising the movement mobilised itself before-hand by Bernie Sanders.

THE RED FLAG IS STILL FLYING HERE

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About Me

Tristan's areas of expertise include Australian and world politics, social theory, education, history, and computer gaming for PC. He considers himself a liberal, and also a socialist, but has also referred to himself as a left social democrat. He says such - conscious that there was once a time when 'social democracy' and 'socialism' were synonymous. Furthermore, Tristan is a long-time member of the Australian Labor Party - specifically its Socialist Left wing. He is also involved in the Australian Fabian Society. Tristan has written for many publications - including a stint freelancing for 'The Canberra Times': the daily broadsheet of the Australian Capital. Tristan's Personal Homepage is here: http://sites.google.com/site/tristanewinsfreelancewriter